THE newly-created Knowsley constituency is the safest Labour seat in the country.

Despite the Liberal Democrats’ recent surge in the polls, the party’s candidate Flo Clucas faces a near impossible task of wrestling it from sitting Labour MP George Howarth.

The constituency was created from the old Knowsley North and Sefton East seat, held by Mr Howarth since 1986, and the Knowsley South seat of Labour’s Eddie O’Hara, who is standing down.

Polling experts believe Labour’s notional majority in the seat after the boundary changes stands at around 60%, making it the safest in the country.

But Mr Howarth said: “I just do not recognise that description. Every constituency is a separate contest and predicting results is, in my opinion, a fool’s game.”

He said the constituency had benefited from a Labour government and council which have invested in new schools, leisure facilities and health services.

The borough’s politics were dominated in recent years by the failed £400m redevelopment of Kirkby town centre, which would have included a huge Tesco and a new stadium for Everton FC.

Mr Howarth said: “I am confident we will get a deal with Tesco to bring about dramatic improvements to Kirkby town centre.”

Cllr Clucas, who is deputy leader of Liverpool council, said she was instrumental in securing European investment for Kirkby and other parts of Merseyside when she sat on the Objective One funding board.

She said: “It is a challenge [to win the seat], but it is interesting and I enjoy getting out there and speaking to people.”

Tory candidate David Dunne said: “I am pleased the people of Knowsley will have the opportunity of casting a vote for the Conservatives.”

Anthony Rundle is standing for the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and Gary Aronsson for the British National Party.